Self-help manuals for problem drinking: the relative effects of their educational and therapeutic components.
This study was concerned with the effects of a self-help manual, administered under conditions of minimal therapist contact, on the alcohol consumption of 26 media-recruited volunteers. It was found that the self-help programme was effective in bringing about a reduction in self-reported alcohol consumption. In addition, the order of presentation of the health education and self-management components of the self-help manual was important with respect to outcome. The group receiving the components in the order self-management followed by education showed a better outcome, in terms of lowered alcohol consumption, than a group receiving the same material in the reverse order. An explanation for this is advanced in terms of the model for process of change put forward by Prochaska & DiClemente (1983). Noting that the use of self-help is best documented for those with less severe alcohol dependency, a number of points for both practice and future research are made.
Savage
S A
SA
Department of Clinical Psychology, St Crispin Hospital, Duston, Northamptonshire, UK.
Hollin
C R
CR
Hayward
A J
AJ
D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*